Kyle Hendricks has a message for Cubs fans that will tug at your heartstrings

It remains to be seen whether this is the final week of Kyle Hendricks’ career with the Cubs.

He will be a free agent at the end of the season and the path to a reunion in Chicago is complicated.

As he faces an uncertain future for the first time in his career, an emotional Hendricks couldn’t help but think back to his 11 years in Chicago during a conversation with Marquee Sports Network’s Taylor McGregor.

“Basically, it’s the longest time I’ve ever spent in one place in my life,” Hendricks said. “It has a very special place in my heart, in my family’s heart.” Everyone was so kind to me through all the ups and downs.

“The fans have been so caring and loving towards me and my family whenever I see them in the city. Just people saying “Thanks for the World Series” or just having a nice conversation with people – everyone is just so nice. They are the best fans in the world. They pack Wrigley every night.”

(MORE: Kyle Hendricks reflects on uncertain future with Cubs: ‘I’m not ready to say goodbye to Chicago’)

Hendricks will likely get another start at Wrigley on the final weekend of the season against the Reds, although the team has not yet announced his pitching plans.

If he gets the ball, it would be his 136th start and 140th appearance at Wrigley Field.

“The opportunity to have so many games at Wrigley Field, to be able to wear the Cubs jerseys, to wear that logo so much, that’s very special to me,” Hendricks said. “Honestly, it’s going to take a long time for me to really remember and absorb everything.

“But it’s not lost on me how special it really has been over the last 10 to 11 years and for my family. And I’m really going to be able to hold on to that for the rest of my life.”

Hendricks was asked how much he has developed since his rookie season in 2014.

He mentioned his teammates and the organization, but again came back to the fan base and the city of Chicago.

“It’s been such a fun journey,” Hendricks said. “All the teammates I met, all the good friends I made in this game – that’s what I’ll always remember. The ability to slow things down here in the last year or so and really take it all in is something I wouldn’t have been able to achieve at the start of my career.

“Just being comfortable with who I am, being comfortable in my skin and the pitcher that I am, going out there every day — all of that has changed. I can’t thank Chicago enough. They always supported me and always had my back.”

Watch the full interview with Hendricks and McGregor on the Marquee Sports Network app.